A step in the right direction

How an e-spoke platform helped three Mirror readers step up their footwear fashion game.

On a shoe-shopping trip with an investment banker, a consultant and a business development professional, we learned that when it comes to footwear, these men know precisely what they want, but not necessarily what style it’s available in. The men are up for a lesson in fashionable footwear from shoe genie, Nirali Ruparel Gurwada — she tells us she customises shoes for top celebrities. At her tastefullydecorated studio in Fort, we follow the men up a fl ight of stairs to a workstation. On the table before us are swatches of leather, design sheets, shoe molds, and assorted bottles of essential oils, pigments and waxes — Ruparel has just fi nished working on a bespoke shoe for a valued customer. She’s just added the fi nal coat of blue on an elegant pair of oxfords.

“I recognised that there was a niche in the men’s footwear market when it came to luxury customcrafted shoes,” says Ruparel, switching on her laptop to introduce us to her brainchild: DIY e-spoke website, ‘achillesheel.co.’ She logs in and the screen before us lights up with a whole galaxy of footwear possibilities: about 1.5 million options that can be created by tweaking designs and adding personal touches. It feels like a fun fashion game at first, this process of starting with a basic shoe design and tweaking it to make something more to your taste. Clients can alter everything about a shoe from its laces to its lining, and a panel on one side of the screen reflects how these changes affect the price of the product (prices starts at Rs 10,900). So, Ruparel’s clients can see exactly what a customised style will look like when ready. Ruparel walks the men through the designs of footwear, clicking on her keypad to make the changes they request and the men watch with keen interest as 3D images of their dream shoes are constructed by incorporating their suggestions. Then, it’s time to sit down with the expert for some individual style tips.

“In the digital world, millennials use the internet for everything, so I thought it was time to revolutionise the way men shop too. The aim of this project is to provide custom made luxury footwear with a click. The idea is that men can build shoe wardrobes of sophisticated footwear that transcends the fleeting ‘look of the season’, and which will be a unique reflection of their own personalities,” says Ruparel. In keeping with the brand’s ambition to offer something for everyone, ecoconscious buyers can even opt for vegan (non-leather) shoe designs.

Gentleman’s choice

31-year-old investment banker Sandeep Poonia who also works as a key advisor at a creative content solutions start-up tells us that he likes his formal shoes to be comfortable, regular to slim fit, “with some wiggle room for toes,” so that he can keep these on for long hours. He prefers closed-laced shoes with low heels but he’s open to trying different kinds of leather.

Nirali recommends a pair of tan, lace-up oxfords. “It’s a style that says that you’re a no-nonsense professional. It’s elegant and therefore also suggests an old-world gentlemanly charm — the shape and the build of a shoe can speak volumes about you. Colour, on the other hand, is a personal choice,” says Ruparel. She cautions, “cowboy-style shoes with pointed toes are a no-no for you, but try a cap-toe with a quarter brogue.”

Since he has her attention, Poonia also wants to know how to get stubborn stains removed from his suede and patent-leather shoes. Ruparel recommends using a softbristle toothbrush, “and lather in a suede shampoo. You’ll have it looking brand new in no time. As patent-leather shoes have glossy, varnished surfaces, these are easy to clean with just a few drops of water and a clean cloth.”

For a best friend’s wedding

31-year-old Manish Sonar had his mind set on an oxford leather shoe, “in blue.” It was a style he had spotted on the shelves of a high-end luxury shoe store on one of his travels to Melbourne. “I’d like to wear something like that for a friend’s upcoming wedding,” says the business development professional who works for a hospitality firm.

Ruparel takes a look at his outfit options for the occasions. “With so much solid colour, it’s best if you opt for shoes that are neutral. Blue shoes are not practical for daily use. You could team these with your evening wear, with, say, a brown or black suit or with black trousers,” she says.

Sonar tells her that his everyday wardrobe has muted colours. “I like bold, chequered shirts, mostly in shades of blue, and narrow trousers,” he says. Nirali recommends narrow-toe shoes for him, “and a latex insole or memory foam for comfort. You could also opt for in-heels for elevation.” After deliberating, Sonar designs a full brogue, tan, oxford with a TPR (thermoplastic rubber) sole.

Ruparel talks him through the ‘upkeep process.’ She tells him that regular shoe polish won’t do for these. “Invest in high-quality beeswax polish. Leather, after all, is just animal skin, and the winter air can make it dry and hard, especially if you don’t wear it for enough time. Leather must be nourished with milk and almond oil; you can wipe the excess out with an old cloth or T-shirt. Ideally, leave this on for a day, and polish the shoes the next day,” says Ruparel.

Booted for business

27-year-old Sikkandar Sha, a senior consultant with a US-based consulting firm, believes, “a sharp business attire is incomplete without the perfect pair of shoes. It’s the first thing people notice about you, and I believe shoes speak volumes about your attention to detail. I feel that black oxfords always make an excellent impression, and they boost my confidence,” says Sha who generally teams these with narrow, tapering pants.

Ruparel tells him he should try showing off his socks. “It’s in vogue. You must try that. Just have the length of your trousers altered accordingly,” she smiles, recommending that he try a quarter brogue oxford in coffee-brown, “with a leather sole and ribbed welt as these would complete the look. You could also try and play with the colour of the lace and lining,” she suggests.

We note another advantage of the bespoke deal — here, the men can adjust the width of the shoe too, so they’ll fit them just right even if they have spaced-out toes. So, there’s something for every foot. Wouldn’t Achilles have been thrilled.

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